Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. In most cases, it is caused by genetics or due to lifestyle choices such as being overweight, eating too much cholesterol, fat and salt, being physically inactive and smoking. Approximately 15 percent of all cases of high blood pressure, however, are called secondary hypertension because they are caused by an underlying medical condition. Once diagnosed with high blood pressure, a physician can run tests to determine if it is secondary hypertension and to uncover any medical conditions that may be causing this symptom.
Diabetes
Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease including hypertension. According to the American Diabetes Association, having high levels of blood sugar can damage the kidneys by overworking them. This condition is called diabetic neuropathy or diabetic kidney disease, and it occurs as the kidneys can no longer properly filter waste products. As kidney disease progresses fluid may build up in the body. This means there is more fluid for the heart to pump. The more fluid being pumped, the greater the pressure against the artery walls and the higher the blood pressure rises. The good news is that controlling blood sugar levels, getting regular exercise and not smoking can all help to prevent this condition. If blood pressure rises too high, however, medication may be necessary to help reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a temporary cessation of breathing during sleep. These periods are brief and often end with a snoring or snorting sound as the brain signals the body to wake up and breathe again. This condition can cause excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and it can contribute to secondary hypertension, says the American College of Chest Physicians. This occurs because there can be a spike in blood pressure during sleep apnea episodes when the body is not getting the oxygen it needs (hypoxia). This makes the heart work harder to bring oxygen levels back to normal. In some cases, this elevation in blood pressure can last up to 24 hours leading to chronic hypertension. Successful treatment of sleep apnea can sometime help to bring blood pressure levels back down.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism means that the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone. This causes increased activity in many systems of the body. There are various types of hyperthyroidism and many causes of this disease. The Columbia University Medical Center states that, with this condition, the blood pressure and heart rate can both be elevated to dangerous and life-threatening levels. Along with changes in blood pressure, this condition can cause many symptoms such as irritability, unexplained weight loss, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to cold temperatures, changes to appetite and infertility. Treating hyperthyroidism properly may help to lower blood pressure as well.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is the term used for hypertension that is caused by pregnancy. Family Doctor.org, a website of the American Academy of Family Physicians, states that there is currently no known cause for this condition which tends to occur around the 20th week of pregnancy. With this condition, there is often noticeable swelling in the body and tests may detect high levels of protein in the urine. It tends to run in the family and is more common during the first pregnancy and in multiple births. Regular checkups during pregnancy can help to catch this condition early on so it can be treated. If left untreated, it can lead to low birth weight and other serious complications. In many cases, blood pressure levels return to normal after delivery.
